Ecmweb 23257 20181220 Wwh Code Watch 2 770

What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Space Wars

Dec. 20, 2018

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: space wars

Ah, the never-ending battle for “space” continues. How are we supposed to reach any of the circuit breakers in this electrical room with all these appliances being stored here? Using this space for storage creates a dangerous situation if those breakers need to be reached quickly.

This is yet another violation of the working space requirements of Sec. 110.26. These working spaces need to be kept clear to provide safer conditions for electricians working on this type of electrical equipment. Building owners and managers need to reevaluate how they are using these spaces. This is simply an all too common problem.

Section 110.26(B) explicitly states that working space for electrical equipment must be kept clear and must not be used for storage. The working space dimensions required to be kept clear are described in Sec. 110.26(A).

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.